Clear Costs for Thoughtful Retirement Planning
You should understand how your financial advisor is paid before you begin a planning relationship.
Beacon Financial Planning provides fee-only fiduciary advice designed to help retirees and pre-retirees coordinate retirement income, investments, taxes, Social Security, and long-term financial decisions.
Financial Planning Costs Should Be Clear Before You Become a Client
Advisor compensation can be confusing. Some advisors are paid through commissions, some charge planning fees, some charge investment management fees, and some use a combination of structures.
We believe costs should be easy to understand, explained before you make a decision, and connected to the value of the planning relationship.
Good advice should never leave you wondering how your advisor is paid.
Transparency is part of trust.How Beacon Financial Planning Is Paid
The exact cost depends on the scope of the relationship, the complexity of the planning work, and whether investment management is included.
Financial Planning + Investment Management
Typically based on the assets we manage and the complexity of your planning needs.
For many clients, Beacon provides ongoing financial planning and investment management together. This allows us to coordinate retirement income, portfolio strategy, taxes, Roth conversions, Social Security, charitable giving, and long-term planning as life changes.
- Retirement income planning
- Investment management
- Tax-aware planning guidance
- Roth conversion and withdrawal planning
- Ongoing review and adjustments
Financial Planning Guidance
Quoted clearly before work begins.
In some cases, a planning engagement may be appropriate when someone needs help evaluating specific retirement decisions or organizing a broader retirement plan.
- Retirement readiness review
- Tax planning and Roth conversion analysis
- Social Security or pension decision support
- Withdrawal strategy guidance
- Clear written recommendations when appropriate
The Cost Should Be Weighed Against the Decisions Being Made
Retirement planning involves decisions that can affect income, taxes, investment risk, spouse protection, estate goals, charitable giving, and long-term financial confidence.
The value of advice is not only in a portfolio return or a single tax strategy. It is often in avoiding costly mistakes, coordinating the moving pieces, and making better decisions over time.
- When should you claim Social Security?
- How much can you safely spend?
- Should you do Roth conversions?
- How should your investments change near retirement?
- How do taxes affect retirement income?
- How do you protect a spouse or legacy goals?
What You Receive in an Ongoing Planning Relationship
Beacon is designed for people who want coordinated advice, not disconnected recommendations.
Retirement Planning
We help evaluate retirement readiness, spending needs, income sources, family priorities, and long-term goals.
Investment Management
We help align your portfolio with retirement income needs, risk comfort, time horizon, and tax planning.
Tax-Aware Guidance
We coordinate retirement withdrawals, Roth conversions, RMDs, Social Security taxation, and charitable giving strategies.
Income Planning
We help create a strategy for turning savings, Social Security, pensions, and investments into retirement income.
Ongoing Review
We help adjust the plan as markets, tax laws, income needs, family priorities, and life circumstances change.
Plain-English Guidance
We explain tradeoffs clearly so you understand what is being recommended and why it matters.
We Do Not Receive Product Commissions
Beacon Financial Planning provides fee-only fiduciary advice. That means our compensation comes from clients, not commissions from selling financial products.
This matters because advice should be focused on what is appropriate for your financial life, not on product incentives.
Our fee-only approach means:
- No commissions from annuity sales
- No commissions from mutual fund sales
- No insurance product sales incentives
- Clearer alignment between advisor and client
- Advice centered on the planning relationship
You Will Know the Cost Before You Decide
The first conversation is not about pressuring you into a planning relationship. It is about determining fit.
Intro Call
We start with a short conversation to understand what prompted you to reach out and whether Beacon may be able to help.
Clarify Scope
If there appears to be a fit, we learn more about your situation and the planning work involved.
Explain Cost
Before you decide, we explain the fee structure clearly so you understand what you would pay and what is included.
Beacon Is Best Suited for People Who Want Ongoing Retirement Guidance
We are typically the best fit for retirees and pre-retirees who want help coordinating important financial decisions over time, not simply buying a product or receiving a one-off stock recommendation.
If you want a thoughtful planning relationship that connects investments, taxes, retirement income, Social Security, and long-term goals, Beacon may be a good fit.
Beacon may be a good fit if you value:
- Retirement-focused advice
- Tax-aware planning
- Ongoing investment management
- Plain-English explanations
- Transparent advisor compensation
- A fee-only fiduciary relationship
Have Questions About Cost or Fit?
The first conversation is a simple way to understand whether Beacon may be able to help and what type of planning relationship may make sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costs
A few common questions about fees, compensation, and working with Beacon.
How much does Beacon Financial Planning cost?
The cost depends on the scope of the relationship, the complexity of your planning needs, and whether investment management is included. Fees are explained clearly before any engagement begins.
Are you fee-only?
Yes. Beacon Financial Planning provides fee-only fiduciary advice and does not receive commissions from selling financial products.
Do you charge commissions?
No. Beacon does not receive commissions from annuity sales, mutual fund sales, insurance products, or other financial product sales.
Is the first call free?
The first introductory call is a short conversation designed to understand your situation and determine whether Beacon may be a good fit.
What is included in ongoing planning?
Ongoing planning may include retirement income planning, investment management, tax-aware guidance, Roth conversion planning, Social Security coordination, charitable giving strategies, and regular reviews over time.
Will I know the cost before becoming a client?
Yes. Costs are discussed clearly before you decide whether to begin a planning relationship with Beacon.
Learn More About Working With Beacon
These pages may help you understand our process, philosophy, and services.
Fee-Only Fiduciary Advice
Understand what fee-only fiduciary advice means and why it matters for retirement planning.
What to Expect
See what happens during the first call and how the planning process works.
Services
Explore retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, Social Security, pensions, and more.